Portable exercise equipment

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are exemplary embodiments including a portable exercise device comprising a lower housing, a circular spring within the lower housing, a circular spool covering the circular spring, a cord wrapped around the circular spool, the cord extending outside of the lower housing, a roller within the lower housing, the roller guiding the cord extending outside of the lower housing and a swivel mount connected to an exterior of the lower housing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/342,820 filed on May 27, 2016, titled “Exercise Equipment,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in entirety, including all references and appendices cited therein.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to portable exercise equipment.

SUMMARY

According to some exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a portable exercise device comprising a lower housing, a circular spring within the lower housing, a circular spool covering the circular spring, a cord wrapped around the circular spool, the cord extending outside of the lower housing, a roller within the lower housing, the roller guiding the cord extending outside of the lower housing and a swivel mount connected to an exterior of the lower housing. Exemplary embodiments also include an upper housing configured to match and mate with the lower housing and forming an enclosure, and an eyelet inserted between the upper and lower housing, the eyelet configured for the cord extending outside of the upper and lower housing. A housing mounting screw extends from the lower housing to the upper housing and a strap clip connects to an exterior of the swivel mount.

In further exemplary embodiments, a first cuff is connected to the strap clip and a second cuff is connected to an end of the cord extending outside of the housing enclosure. Additionally, the circular spring exerts a constant and even force outward against the circular spool and movement of the second cuff connected to the end of the cord extending outside of the housing enclosure occurs with a constant and even force. In many exemplary embodiments, the first cuff connected to the strap clip remains in a fixed position. Further, the swivel mount or other means connected to the exterior of the lower housing remains in a fixed position and provides for rotation of the unit including the upper and lower housing, the circular spring within the lower housing, the circular spool covering the circular spring, the cord wrapped around the circular spool, and the roller within the lower housing, with the movement of the second cuff connected to the end of the cord extending outside of the housing enclosure.

Many exemplary embodiments include the movement of the second cuff causing a sound, with the sound being caused by the circular spool. Additionally, the sound functions as a feedback mechanism to a user. The entire cord may have a length between approximately five feet to eight feet, and ideally between six feet and seven feet.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the present technology are illustrated by the accompanying figures. It will be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale. It will be understood that the technology is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

FIG. 1 shows a first view of an exemplary portable exercise unit.

FIG. 2 shows a second view of an exemplary portable exercise unit.

FIG. 3 shows a third view of an exemplary portable exercise unit.

FIG. 4 shows a fourth view of an exemplary portable exercise unit.

FIG. 5 shows a fifth view of an exemplary portable exercise unit.

FIGS. 6A-6C show exemplary use of an exemplary portable exercise unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein are exemplary embodiments including a portable exercise device comprising a lower housing, a circular spring within the lower housing, a circular spool covering the circular spring, a cord wrapped around the circular spool, the cord extending outside of the lower housing, a roller within the lower housing, the roller guiding the cord extending outside of the lower housing and a swivel mount connected to an exterior of the lower housing.

FIG. 1 shows a first view of an exemplary portable exercise unit.

Shown in FIG. 1 are upper housing 105, roller 110, circular spool 115, circular spring 120, lower housing 125, eyelet 130, cord 135, swivel mount 140, roller screw 145, housing mounting screw 150 and strap clip 155.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the portable exercise device is formed by placing the circular spring 120 within the lower housing 125, covering the circular spring 120 with the circular spool 115, and wrapping the cord 135 around the circular spool 120 and extending the cord 135 outside of the lower housing 125. Roller 110 is placed within the lower housing 125 and secured by roller screw 145, with the roller guiding the cord 135 extending outside of the lower housing 125. The swivel mount 140 is connected to an exterior of the lower housing. The upper housing 105 is configured to match and mate with the lower housing 125 and forming an enclosure. Eyelet 130 is inserted between the upper housing 105 and the lower housing 125, the eyelet 130 configured for the cord 135 to extend outside of the enclosure. The housing mounting screw 150 extends through the lower housing 125 for connecting the upper housing 105 to the lower housing 125. The strap clip 155 is connected by two screws, rivets or other means to an exterior of the swivel mount 140.

In most exemplary embodiments, the swivel mount 140 connected to the exterior of the lower housing 125 remains in a fixed position and provides for rotation of a unit comprising the lower housing 125, the circular spring 120 within the lower housing 125, the circular spool 115 covering the circular spring 120, the cord 135 wrapped around the circular spool 115, and the roller 145 within the lower housing 125.

FIG. 2 shows a second view of an exemplary portable exercise unit.

Shown in FIG. 2 are housing mounting screw support 165, housing mounting screw 150, circular spool 115, upper housing 105, roller screw support 160, roller screw 145, roller 110, cord 135, spring 120, lower housing 125, swivel mount 140 and strap clip 155. This second view is broken apart differently than the assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a third view of an exemplary portable exercise unit.

Shown in FIG. 3 are housing mounting screw support 165, housing mounting screw 150, circular spool 115, upper housing 105, spring 120, roller screw 145, roller 110, cord 135, lower housing 125, swivel mount 140 and strap clip 155. This third view is broken apart differently than the assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a fourth view of an exemplary portable exercise unit.

Shown in FIG. 4 are first cuff 405, upper housing 105, cord connector 410, second cuff connector 415 and second cuff 420.

In most exemplary embodiments, the first cuff 405 is connected to the strap clip 155 (FIG. 1) and remains in a fixed position. The second cuff 420 connected by second cuff connector 415 to the cord connector 410 moves the cord 135 (FIG. 1) to extend outside of the enclosure formed by the lower housing 125 and the upper housing 105. In various exemplary embodiments, the entire cord 135 has a length between approximately five feet to eight feet, and ideally between six feet and seven feet.

FIG. 5 shows a fifth view of an exemplary portable exercise unit.

Shown in FIG. 5 are second cuff 420, second cuff connector 415, cord connector 410, cord 135, upper housing 105, lower housing 125, strap clip 155 and first cuff 405. In comparison to FIG. 4, FIG. 5 shows the cord 135 extended out toward the second cuff 420, away from the first cuff 405.

FIGS. 6A-6C show exemplary use of an exemplary portable exercise unit.

Shown in FIGS. 6A-6C are exemplary exercises performed with the unit, with the direction of the rotation of the unit shown by arrows 605, 610 and 615 respectively. Although FIGS. 6A-6C show the first cuff 405 (FIG. 4) and the second cuff 420 (FIG. 4) around the ankles of the user, the same cuffs may also be placed around the wrists of the user. Additionally, the first cuff 405 may be fastened around a stationary object, with the second cuff 420 around the user's wrist or arm.

According to exemplary embodiments, the circular spring 120 (FIG. 1) exerts a constant and even force outward against the circular spool 115 (FIG. 1) as the second cuff 420 moves away from the first cuff 405. Additionally, at the same time, the movement of the second cuff 420 causes a sound, as the sound is caused by the circular spool 120. Notably, the sound functions as a feedback mechanism to the user.

Distinguishing characteristics of this device include:

A. Constant, consistent and low tension during exercises.

B. Tangle proof cord.

C. Swivel mount rotation of the housing unit.

D. Sound made by the device during exercises provides feedback for the user to maintain a steady slow controlled tempo in movement.

E. Spatial awareness of the user being able to use the device without looking down at the device (or having one's eyes closed). Awareness of one's movement and form while looking straight ahead and/or at others. Alternatively, seeing the movement of the cord 135 (FIG. 1) can provide user feedback.

F. Provides proprioception (feedback) which enhances kinesthesia (movement sense). According to SPD Australia, proprioception is the process by which the body can vary muscle contraction in immediate response to incoming information regarding external forces, by utilizing stretch receptors in the muscles to keep track of the joint position in the body. Proprioception and kinesthesia, the sensation of joint motion and acceleration, are the sensory feedback mechanisms for motor control and posture. These mechanisms along with the vestibular system, a fluid filled network within the inner ear that can feel the pull of gravity and helps the body keep oriented and balanced, are unconsciously utilized by the brain to provide a constant influx of sensory information. The brain can then send out immediate and unconscious adjustments to the muscles and joints in order to achieve movement and balance. Proprioception, also often referred to as the sixth sense, was developed by the nervous system as a means to keep track of and control the different parts of the body. An example that enables one to best understand this sensory system is one showing what happens if this sensory system is no longer there. A normal person is able to move a finger, knowing where and what the finger is doing, with little effort. The normal person could just volunteer the finger to move back and forth and proprioception would make this an easy task. Without proprioception, the brain cannot feel what the finger is doing, and the process must be carried out in more conscious and calculated steps. The person must use vision to compensate for the lost feedback on the progress of the finger.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present technology has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the present technology in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present technology. Exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present technology for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Aspects of the present technology are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the present technology.

In the description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular embodiments, procedures, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or “according to one embodiment” (or other phrases having similar import) at various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, depending on the context of discussion herein, a singular term may include its plural forms and a plural term may include its singular form. Similarly, a hyphenated term (e.g., “on-demand”) may be occasionally interchangeably used with its non-hyphenated version (e.g., “on demand”), a capitalized entry (e.g., “Software”) may be interchangeably used with its non-capitalized version (e.g., “software”), a plural term may be indicated with or without an apostrophe (e.g., PE's or PEs), and an italicized term (e.g., “N+1”) may be interchangeably used with its non-italicized version (e.g., “N+1”). Such occasional interchangeable uses shall not be considered inconsistent with each other.

Also, some embodiments may be described in terms of “means for” performing a task or set of tasks. It will be understood that a “means for” may be expressed herein in terms of a structure, such as a processor, a memory, an I/O device such as a camera, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the “means for” may include an algorithm that is descriptive of a function or method step, while in yet other embodiments the “means for” is expressed in terms of a mathematical formula, prose, or as a flow chart or signal diagram.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

If any disclosures are incorporated herein by reference and such incorporated disclosures conflict in part and/or in whole with the present disclosure, then to the extent of conflict, and/or broader disclosure, and/or broader definition of terms, the present disclosure controls. If such incorporated disclosures conflict in part and/or in whole with one another, then to the extent of conflict, the later-dated disclosure controls.

The terminology used herein can imply direct or indirect, full or partial, temporary or permanent, immediate or delayed, synchronous or asynchronous, action or inaction. For example, when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected” or “coupled” to another element, then the element can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element and/or intervening elements may be present, including indirect and/or direct variants. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. The description herein is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the technology will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of this disclosure.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. The descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth herein. To the contrary, the present descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and otherwise appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable exercise device comprising: a lower housing; a circular spring within the lower housing; a circular spool covering the circular spring; a cord wrapped around the circular spool, the cord extending outside of the lower housing; a roller within the lower housing, the roller guiding the cord extending outside of the lower housing; and a swivel mount connected to an exterior of the lower housing.
 2. The portable exercise device of claim 1, further comprising: an upper housing configured to match and mate with the lower housing and forming an enclosure.
 3. The portable exercise device of claim 2, further comprising an eyelet inserted between the upper and the lower housing, the eyelet configured for the cord extending outside of the upper and lower housing.
 4. The portable exercise device of claim 3, further comprising a housing mounting screw extending through the lower housing and through the roller for connecting the upper housing to the lower housing.
 5. The portable exercise device of claim 4, further comprising a strap clip connected to an exterior of the swivel mount.
 6. The portable exercise device of claim 5, further comprising a first cuff connected to the strap clip.
 7. The portable exercise device of claim 6, further comprising a second cuff connected to an end of the cord extending outside of the lower housing.
 8. The portable exercise device of claim 7, wherein the circular spring exerts a constant and even force outward against the circular spool.
 9. The portable exercise device of claim 8, wherein movement of the second cuff connected to the end of the cord extending outside of the lower housing occurs with a constant and even force.
 10. The portable exercise device of claim 9, wherein the first cuff connected to the strap clip remains in a fixed position.
 11. The portable exercise device of claim 10, wherein the swivel mount or other means connected to the exterior of the lower housing remains in a fixed position and provides for rotation of a unit comprising the: lower housing; circular spring within the lower housing; circular spool covering the circular spring; cord wrapped around the circular spool; and roller within the lower housing, with the movement of the second cuff connected to the end of the cord extending outside of the lower housing.
 12. The portable exercise device of claim 11, wherein the movement of the second cuff causes a sound.
 13. The portable exercise device of claim 12, wherein the sound is caused by the circular spool.
 14. The portable exercise device of claim 13, wherein the sound functions as a feedback mechanism to a user.
 15. The portable exercise device of claim 14, wherein the entire cord has a length between approximately five feet to eight feet, and ideally between six feet and seven feet. 